Fractures

Question 1

What is a fracture?

Answer 1

A break or crack in the bone

Question 2

What are the different types of fractures?

Answer 2

Transverse
Spiral
Oblique
Compound
Complicated
Comminated
Greenstick
Avulsion

Question 3

What is a transverse fracture?

Answer 3

When the bone breaks in a straight horizontal line

Question 4

What is a spiral fracture?

Answer 4

When a bone breaks due to a twisting force, creating a helical or corkscrew shaped fracture along the length of the bone

Question 5

What is an oblique fracture?

Answer 5

When a bone breaks at an angle rather than straight across

Question 6

What is a compound fracture?

Answer 6

Also known as an open fracture
When the bone pierces through the skin, exposing it to the environment

Question 7

What is a complicated fracture?

Answer 7

A fracture that causes damage to surrounding tissue, blood vessels, nerves or organs

Question 8

What is a comminated fracture?

Answer 8

When a bone breaks into three or more fragments

Question 9

What is a greenstick fracture?

Answer 9

Type of incomplete bone break
When one side of the bone cracks while the other side bends but still remains intact

Question 10

What is an avulsion fracture?

Answer 10

When a piece of bone is pulled away from the main bone due to force exerted by a tendon or ligament

Question 11

What are the clinical signs of a fracture?

Answer 11

Immobility and limping
Swelling
Bruising
Visible deformity
Abnormal limb position
Reluctance to bear weight
Crepitus
Pain response when touched
Bleeding and open wounds (compound or complicated)
Loss of sensation or movement (if nerves are affected)